In this video we are going to tie four knots based on the most simple knot you can learn, the Overhand Knot. This video is for those that have trouble remembering how to tie more complicated knots. We'll look at two fixed loop knots and two bend knots based on the Overhand Knot.

The Arbor Knot is used to attach the fishing line to the “Arbor” or “Spool Center”. In fact the Arbor Knot is really based on a noose knot and, therefore, pulling tightens it. The same knot is used in Bushcraft under the name Canadian Jam Knot where a light rope, e.g., paracord, is being used to compress a load such as a sleeping bag or is used as the first step in creating a lashing.

The Bowline (ABOK # 1010, p 186) makes a reasonably secure loop in the end of a piece of rope. It has many uses, e.g., to fasten a mooring line to a ring or a post. Under load, it does not slip or bind. With no load it can be untied easily. Two bowlines can be linked together to join two ropes. Its principal shortcoming is that it cannot be tied, or untied, when there is a load on the standing end. It should therefore be avoided when, for example, a mooring line may have to be released under load.

The Figure 8 Knot(ABOK # 570, p 95.) provides a quick and convenient stopper knot to prevent a line sliding out of sight, e.g., up inside the mast. Its virtue is that, even after it has been jammed tightly against a block, it doesn’t bind; it can be undone easily. This virtue is also, occasionally, a vice. The Figure 8 Knot can fall undone and then has to be retied.

So you want to string up a clothesline six feet long, but all you've got is four feet of rope and three feet of shoelace? No problem.

Step 1: Form bend
Fold one end of the thicker rope back on itself to form a bend (or "bight") that looks like an "U" shaped, tipped on its left side.

Step 2: Slip thin rope through bight
Slip one end of the thinner rope through the bight from behind.

Step 3: Wrap thin rope around arms
Now wrap the end of the thinner rope around both arms of the bight, crossing over the short arm first (and staying below the trailing end of thin rope).

Step 4: Pass thin rope
Bringing the end of the thinner rope around to the front, pass it between itself and the short arm.

Step 5: Tighten knot
Tighten the knot by pulling both ends of the thinner rope.

Survival SERE instructor Jessie Krebs shows how to tie a Canadian Jam knot, aka an Arbor knot. Very useful in survival scenarios.

Janet Echelman found her true voice as an artist when her paints went missing -- which forced her to look to an unorthodox new art material. Now she makes billowing, flowing, building-sized sculpture with a surprisingly geeky edge. A transporting 10 minutes of pure creativity. A quiz, thought provoking question, and links for further study are provided to create a lesson around the 10-minute video. Educators may use the platform to easily "Flip" or create their own lesson for use with their students of any age or level.

The following resource contains the external assets (or resources) to accompany the Sask DLC Wildlife & Habitat Studies 10/20 courses. Please note that this is not the content of the course, but the assets used to support and deliver it. 

The Prusik Knot was developed in 1931 by Dr.Karl Prusik (sometime president of the Austrian Mountaineering Club and often misspelled “Prussik”.) It appears to be identical in structure to a knot described by Ashley for hoisting a spar. (ABOK # 1763, p 300), but Ashley did not name this knot and did not describe the slide and grip feature. The knot requires a “Prusik Loop”.

The Prusik Knot (technically it’s a hitch) is the most common friction hitch. It’s great for ascending, and it’s a staple for crevasse rescue systems because it will grip the rope from either direction of pull. Learn how to tie a Prusik Knot in this video.

The Sheet Bend (ABOK # 1431, p 262) or Weaver’s Knot (ABOK # 485, p 78) is recommended for joining two ropes of unequal size. The thicker rope must be used for the simple bight as shown. However, it works equally well if the ropes are of the same size.

The Slip Knot (ABOK # 529, p 87) is identical in structure to the Noose Knot except that the bight to be inserted is formed from the short end – not the long. The Slip Knot is one of the most frequently tied knots – being used in knitting as the first loop when casting on – where it is called a slip knot but frequently tied as a noose. It can be used as a temporary stopper knot – as shown in the animation

The Trucker’s Hitch (Power Cinch Knot, Lorry Knot, Haymaker’s Hitch, Harvester’s Hitch) (ABOK # 2124, p 344) has the distinctive feature of providing a mechanical advantage when being tightened. The variety of names for this hitch is a tribute to its widespread use. It is a valuable knot – particularly for securing loads or tarpaulins.

This versatile knot offers mechanical advantage and is the perfect solution for anyone looking to secure loads, canoes, gear, and equipment. This quick tutorial covers the basic AND Auto-locking Trucker's Hitch. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast, prepper, or just starting your adventure, the trucker's hitch is an essential skill for tight and secure knot-tying. In this video, you'll learn step-by-step instructions for tying the auto locking trucker's hitch and how to use it in real-life situations. NOTE: The Mechanical Advantage is technically 3:1 But I round down for the sake of friction loss of the rope anchors.